Leisure by W H Davies

I came across this poem on my Future Learn course. It is beautiful and perfect for taking a moment to contemplate the day either ahead or behind or both.

Leisure

What is this life if, full of care, 
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs 
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass, 
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight, 
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, 
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can 
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care, 
We have no time to stand and stare.

W. H. Davies (1871-1940)

Sir Ian McKellen reading Wordsworth

I am currently doing a course on Future Learn called Literature and Mental Health. This weeks topic is all about stress.

Stress is something I am currently facing in my life. I have a 6 and a half month old daughter who fails to sleep during the day.  It is very frustrating and I find her behaviour challenging.

I have normally faced stress with work and studying.  This tiny human is relying on me for everything in her life. I love her beyond words however a constant battle to insist that she sleeps is not fun.

The course talks about taking time out with words.  Particular poems can enforce calm.  Sadly this affect does not apply to my baby girl but it does work for me. 

This is a beautiful poem by Wordsworth.

Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802

Earth has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill;
Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!
The river glideth at his own sweet will:
Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still.

W. Wordsworth (1770–1850)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2lP9AXWHB8&index=3&list=PLm0heW_lk6efMYoV7UhfBmcQIEKR4XQaA

On Your Christening Day

Earlier this month on our travels in the UK we were lucky enough to be allowed to get our daughter christened. This was done in a beautiful little church in the Pembrokeshire countryside. 

On our travels down to Wales it was a dark miserable January night so on the M4 I thought I must use this night well and write a poem for our daughter when she grows up. 

This is it ...

Your smile shines bright with your toothless grin

Your eyes beam and glisten with the light of innocence 

You kick your feet to say I'm excited to see you

We kiss your cheeks and hands and you return with tiny bear hugs 

You chatter exercising your new voice joining in the conversation 

You demand our attention and thrive with it

Your future is out ahead with endless possibilities

You make everyday better for being in it for all those that love you

You are our special girl 

<a href="http://honestmum.com/category/brilliant-blog-posts/"><img style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;" src="http://i.imgur.com/fJzNWoE.jpg" alt="Brilliant blog posts on HonestMum.com" width="301" height="189" /></a>

The Earthquake

Now been 24 hours since the big earthquake. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.

A new poem about the events

The Earthquake 

The earth begins to rumble

The walls shake and chimneys tumble

We duck cover and hold

Hoping nature will soon stop being so bold 

Our lives are smashed on the floor

Plates, glasses, the clock hanging above the door

We look for each other checking are you okay

As our thoughts spread to others we pray

We walk out and go into the night

Trying not to let each other go with all our might

Dear Tiredness

Dear Tiredness

You seep into my bones

You creep and worm your way in

With sleep you only want more

You demand it

You ask my eyelids to become heavy

You make my feet hot and itchy

My body has become uncomfortable

I must give into you now

You overwhelm me

Teething

Chomp 

Chomp

Chomp 

On that toy

Dribble

Dribble

Dribble

Down your vest

Cry 

Cry 

Cry

You have no joy

Soothe

Soothe

Soothe

I try my best

Things I Hold Dear

I want to wrap you in my arms and hold you tight 

To take a deep breath and let your smell fill my nostrils with all its might

I want your smile to brighten my day

It always makes the rain clouds go away

I listen to the softness of your breath as you sleep

Your little chest rises and falls and makes me want to weep

Your smile is one that is secret to us

Your eyes glisten as we chat with fairy dust

You are part of my soul

I love you, you make me whole 

Parent Envy

Does your baby sleep through the night? 

Well of course she does

Does your baby cuddle you tight?

Well of course he does

Does your baby roll over and over?

Well of course she does

Is your baby already a little rover? 

Well of course he is

Is your baby walking? 

Well of course she is

Is your baby talking? 

Well of course he is

Does your baby drive yet? 

Well they are only a week old so not quite yet

The future

With every kiss and cuddle I give you

I wonder who you will become?

Will you become a great inventor 

Who invents the next best thing 

Will you become a scientist 

Who cures the world from disease

Will you become an aid worker 

Who helps people in need

Will you become a businesswoman 

Who strives for perfection 

Will you become an artist 

Who paints the world in her own image 

With every kiss and cuddle I simply hope that you will be happy and healthy and full of smiles

My first post

About me

Since I was a young lady I have always liked writing small poems. Pretty terrible stuff. My dad is a great poet. Like him this is only for personal pleasure.

I thought it would be fun to start sharing my work with others. I am a sensitive person so please be nice. I am not holding myself out to be the next Carol Ann Duffy or William Wordsworth.